Ardrossan Winton Rovers
Winton's Super Debut
AMBITIOUS Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Derek Frye is positively relishing his team's return to the big time this weekend when they play their first ever match in the Super First Division.
And as we hit the streets, they are still in with a chance of reaching the Ardagh Glass League cup quarter finals as they host Dalry Thistle tonight knowing that a win along with a Kilbirnie Ladeside defeat or draw against Beith could see them make the last eight for the second year running.
The club have been boosted with a strip sponsorship for the season from Fisher Fine Foods in the town an it's all systems go as Lanark United are the visitors for Winton's Super First League debut on Saturday.
Frye has Michael Fulton out long term with a broken foot and Billy Gilmour (eye injury); George O'Malley (foot); John Rae (foot); Darren Miller (shin splints) and Robbie Smith (knee) are all doubts but the boss hopes some of them will make it.
The manager told Sportscene: "There is a real buzz about the place and off the field things are great with new floodlights, a supporters' club and astro grass for training so it's up to me to get things right on the field. The players are all really looking forward to the Super League, it's a challenge and they are ready for it. While everyone sets out to win the league our aim will be to consolidate and stay up, that would be an achievement. It's unfortunate that four teams are relegated, only in Junior football could that happen, but that's the way it is."
"Continuity has got us where we are, most of the players have been here for three or four years and know each other really well and that's important. I don't believe in changing things as some teams do. I think you should stick with the guys who got you there and give them a chance."
Looking ahead to the weekend match he said: "We are at home and must aim for the three points. The supporters have been fantastic and hopefully we will get a good crowd."
Reflecting on the weekend which saw them go down 2-1 to Largs Thistle in the Ardagh Cup, the manager said: "I was heartened by the performance but we did not have the rub of the green. Largs are a good side and we competed well and that showed me we have a good group of players."
This article has been reproduced by kind permission the editor, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.